| Description |
1 online resource (312 pages) : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps |
| Contents |
The geography of Santorini -- Santorini and plate tectonics -- The geological development of Santorini -- Stratigraphy: the backbone of geology -- Plant remains and geological time -- The mechanism of the Minoan eruption -- When did the catastrophe occur? -- A Bronze Age Pompeii -- What was living on the island in the Bronze Age? -- An idea takes hold -- Geological observations and mythology -- The caldera is filling again -- Volcanism today -- Present and future changes of the island |
| Summary |
"When the Greek island of Santorini, classically known as Thera, erupted dramatically in 1613 BC (+/- 13 years), it produced one of the largest explosions ever witnessed, thereby possibly giving rise to the legend of Atlantis. This so-called 'Minoan' eruption triggered tsunamis that devastated coastal settlements in the region, and on Santorini it left behind a Bronze Age Pompeii, which is currently being excavated. Thriving Bronze Age settlements on the island - rich in colorful wall paintings and highly sophisticated pottery - were buried under thick layers of volcanic ash. The ejection of an immense volume of dust into the atmosphere also altered global climate for several years. The author, a well-known geologist, blends the thrill of scientific discovery with a popular presentation of the geology, archeology, history, peoples, and environmental settings of the island group of Santorini. He not only gives a comprehensive overview of the volcanic island and its past, but also reports on the latest discoveries: The finding, for example, of the olive trees which had been buried alive by the Minoan eruption has made it possible now to give a direct and precise radiocarbon date for the volcanic catastrophe. Furthermore, he seeks to assign certain geological structures, such as faulted rocks, red lavas and harbor sites, as depicted on the Bronze Age frescos from Santorini, to still-existing details in the Santorini landscape of today."-- Publisher's description |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 292-306) and indexes |
| Notes |
Print version record |
| Subject |
Civilization, Aegean.
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Geology -- Greece -- Santorini Island Region
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Minoans.
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Volcanism -- Greece -- Santorini Island Region
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NATURE -- Earthquakes & Volcanoes.
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SCIENCE -- Earth Sciences -- Seismology & Volcanism.
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Volcanic eruptions
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Antiquities
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Civilization, Aegean
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Geology
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Minoans
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Volcanism
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| SUBJECT |
Santorini Volcano (Greece) -- Eruptions
|
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Santorini Island (Greece) -- Antiquities
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Santorini Island Region (Greece)
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| Subject |
Greece -- Santorini Island
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Greece -- Santorini Volcano
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| Form |
Electronic book
|
| Author |
McBirney, Alexander R., translator.
|
| ISBN |
9788779347472 |
|
8779347479 |
|
